First and only edition of a curious collection of medical and anthropological observations, posthumously published from the notes of the French physician and anthropologist Ernest Godard (1826-1862), made during his (fatal) journey through Egypt and Palestine (1861-1862), where he was sent on a scientific mission by Alexandre Colonna-Walewski. Godard specialised in human genitalia as can be seen on the first 6 plates, depicting the remains of a eunuch's genitals (plate I-III), the effects of elephantiasis on male genitals (IV-V) and a comparison between healthy genitals and those with fistula and cysts. Other plates reflects his other interest: teratology, the scientific study of congenital abnormalities and abnormal formations. Besides diseases and deformities, the text also focuses on more curious topics such as harems. The work opens with a preface by Charles Robin followed by a short biography of Godard.
Foxing throughout the text volume; the plates with some spots and minor dampstain at the foot and the boards somewhat soiled, otherwise in good condition. Gay, Bibl. de l'Afrique et l'Arabe 1698bis; Ibrahim-Hilmy I, p. 264; for Godard: Hirsch II, pp. 583-584.